NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils have only one restricted free agent (RFA) remaining without a contract, 22-year-old Dawson Mercer.
On June 30, Mercer, Nolan Foote, Adam Beckman, Santeri Hatakka, and Nico Daws were tendered a qualifying offer. All but Mercer have since signed either a one- or two-year contract.
On Monday, The Hockey News spoke to Mercer’s agent, Pat Brisson, of CAA Sports LLC, for an update on negotiations with Devils’ general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
“We have had many conversations, and we will continue to speak here this week,” he said. “That’s pretty much all I can say publicly.”
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Mercer has spent three seasons in New Jersey and has appeared in 246 consecutive games since making his debut on Oct. 15, 2021, against the Chicago Blackhawks. In his short career, he has earned 131 points (64 goals, 67 assists). He has amassed over 30 points each season to start his NHL career.
The Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, native has always said he enjoys playing for the Devils and has become a fan favorite since his debut.
“It is great to feel wanted and loved by the Jersey community and the fans and everything, obviously,” Mercer said back in Feb. 2023. “That was a good feeling knowing that they love me and they support me, and they want me here.”
That unwavering support remains as fans anxiously await the two sides to reach an agreement, as training camp will begin in a month.
Mercer is one of a few RFAs who still need a contract. Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins), Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes), and Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken) are all without contracts as September inches closer.
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